Louisville Youth Orchestra expands music programs, adding new ensembles and scholarships

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The Louisville Youth Orchestra is expanding its programs to serve more students that have an interest in music education.

For over 60 years, LYO has helped young musicians create musical lessons and experiences.

LYO Executive Director Matthew Vanover visited WDRB Mornings on Wednesday to talk about the expansion and what it will bring to the company.

The expansion includes a full-time Beginning Strings Director, three new ensembles, and $35,000 in scholarships.

The Beginning Strings Program will give students a chance to learn about music that don't have access to musical instruments or a school orchestra.

Students will learn to play violin, viola, and cello. They will also learn the basic skills such as bow hold, hand and finger positions, and string identification.

"We want to put instruments in kid's hands and teach music," Vanover said. "But we're really interested in the whole student and the education we provide to them."

LYO recently hired Matthew Lane to fill the director position for the Beginning Strings Program. Lane, a renowned music educator and owner of Lane and Edwards Violins, has several years of experience in the music industry.

In addition to the Beginning Strings Program, LYO is offering two more ensembles that will serve advanced wind students.

The Concert Winds is a full woodwind and brass ensemble that will target advanced middle school and high school students.

The Symphonic Wind Ensemble is an advanced chamber ensemble for woodwinds, brass, and percussion that will provide a different and unique way for wind musicians to learn about music.

Carl Kling, Director of Bands at Ballard High School, has been named the director of both ensembles.

With the expansion, LYO expects to serve musicians from over 16 counties in Kentucky and Southern Indiana.

The upcoming season will feature eight concerts, including classics from well-known composers, popular songs from movies and TV shows, and the fan-favorite Holiday Pops Concert.

Auditions for the upcoming season begin on Aug. 17 and continue through Aug. 28.

Auditions are not meant to intimidate musicians who are interested, but rather than to help them.

"Our auditions are about placing students in the right ensemble for them to thrive," Vanover said. "We have a place for everyone."

Details on registration, music excerpts, and auditions can be found here.